"It will make you feel better." "I'm not very hungry now, mother," answered Ella.
"Don't it taste good to you ?" "Not very good." The child sighed as she turned her wan face toward the wall, and the unhappy mother sighed responsive.
"I wish you would try to take a little more.

It's so long since you have eaten any thing; and you'll grow worse if you don't take nourishment.

Just two or three spoonfuls.

Come, dear." Ella, thus urged, raised herself in bed, and made an effort to eat more of the gruel.

At the third spoonful, her stomach heaved as the tasteless fluid touched her lips.
"Indeed, mother, I can't swallow another mouthful," she said, again sinking back on her pillow.
Slowly did Mrs.Gaston turn from the bed.